MISD of the Republic of Kazakhstan discussed issues of protecting the rights of journalists with public organizations

Today, the leadership of the Ministry held an online meeting with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGO "Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law", PF "International Foundation for the Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil Soz", "North Kazakhstan Legal Media Center", Representative Office of "Internews Network" in Kazakhstan, etc.), where issues on the protection and implementation of the rights of journalists detained during the mass riots that took place in Kazakhstan in January this year were discussed.

In his speech, Vice-Minister of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kemelbek Oishybayev noted that the Ministry closely interacted with the internal affairs bodies to respect and protect the rights of journalists from the very beginning of the protests.

The terms of administrative arrests and fines were reduced to the following media representatives: Daryn Nursaparov, a reporter of Shygys Akparat, Nurzhan Baymuldin, chief editor of the Kokshe-Asia news agency, Lukpan Akhmedyarov, editor-in-chief of the Ural Week newspaper, Kalamkas Botabekova, editor-in-chief of the Zhemkorlyk Zhane Zan Gazeti newspaper. As well as all the other journalists who were detained, after clarifying all the circumstances of the case, were released by law enforcement officers on the same day.

From representatives of NGOs came up with proposals to consolidate the improvement of the legal status of journalists as well as training of law enforcement officers when interacting with the media during the riots, etc.

However, the Ministry reminded that the work of journalists and media representatives is carried out in the framework of the legislation of Kazakhstan and the Rules of activities of a journalist (media representative), the presence at the peaceful Assembly and Regulation of the protection of journalists ' rights in case of violation of their rights.

In case a journalist discovers that his rights are being violated, he can always apply to the Ministry for their protection. For its part, the Ministry is always ready to assist in protecting the rights of journalists and their professional activities.